Get free, at-home genetic testing—no matter where you live

Sponsored

In many parts of Alabama, getting specialized healthcare isn’t as simple as booking an appointment. Sometimes it can mean driving hours to the nearest city or going without altogether.

That’s the gap Catalyst is working to close. As a no-cost pharmacogenetic testing program from Southern Research, it delivers personalized health insights straight to your mailbox—no matter where you live.

Whether you live in downtown Birmingham or a rural community miles from the nearest clinic, Catalyst is working to make personalized healthcare more accessible than ever. Read on to find out more, including where to find Catalyst in your community.

What is Catalyst?

Catalyst is a statewide genetic testing initiative that gives participants access to advanced health insights at no cost. By analyzing your DNA, the program provides personalized information that can help you and your healthcare provider better understand potential risks and treatment options long before health issues arise.

Once you sign up, the at-home kit arrives with clear instructions and takes just a few minutes to complete. No lab visits. No needles. Once you’re done, you send it back using prepaid packaging. From there, Catalyst handles the rest.

When your results are ready, you’ll have the option to speak with a genetic counselor at no cost to help explain what your findings mean in plain language.

It’s science-backed, secure and designed to be approachable for everyday Alabamians. (Find out more here!)

Why pharmacogenetic testing matters (especially in Alabama)

Pharmacogenetic testing helps determine how your body may respond to certain medications based on your DNA.

That means:

• Fewer trial-and-error prescriptions
• More personalized treatment plans
• Better long-term health outcomes

Programs like Catalyst empower people to be proactive, spotting potential risks before they become serious issues. It’s a practical example of personalized medicine, made accessible to communities across the state.

And because Catalyst is free and funded by the state, it removes one of the biggest barriers to accessing this kind of advanced health information.

Catalyst is free + designed for real people in real communities

Across Alabama, access to healthcare can vary widely, especially in rural areas. Catalyst aims to close that gap by removing common barriers like cost, transportation and time.

“Catalyst allows all Alabamians access to precision medicine. We’re bringing health directly to Alabama so people can learn more about their health, take ownership of it and ultimately lead to better outcomes for themselves and their families.”

Tiara, Community Engagement Coordinator, Catalyst by Southern Research

And for those who prefer a more hands-on experience, the Catalyst team regularly hosts community outreach events across the state—walking participants through the process step by step.

“If you find one of us at an event, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.”

Tiara, Community Engagement Coordinator, Catalyst by Southern Research

Find Catalyst in your community

Want to learn more? Here’s where you can find the Catalyst team around the Greater Birmingham area in the next few weeks:

• On-site @ Empowerment Word Church’s Annual Community Health Fair
  • When: Saturday, April 25 | 11AM-2PM
  • Where: 1351 Royalty Dr, Alabaster, AL 35007
• On-site @ Whitfield Regional Hospital
  • When: Tuesday, April 28 | 11AM-1PM
  • Where: 105 US-80 #215, Demopolis, AL 36732
• On-site @ A Tour of Wellness in Montgomery County 
  • When: Saturday, May 2 | 9AM-1PM
  • Where: 1701 Terminal Road Montgomery, AL 36108

Catalyst team members will be there ready to answer questions, help eligible Alabamians sign up for free clinical-grade genetic testing, and connect with you throughout the evening! Check out a complete + updated list of upcoming on-site events.

Knowledge is one of the best tools we have when it comes to health—with Catalyst, that knowledge is now just a mailbox away.

Sponsored by: